Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The business, financial condition and operating results of the Company can be affected by a number of risks, whether currently known or unknown. For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, please see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of the 2024 Annual Report. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in future periods. Any of these factors, in whole or in part, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and stock price. Except for the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. of the 2024 Annual Report, which are hereby incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report, the modified risk factor related to business and macroeconomic conditions, the modified risk factor related to Glenn Sanford’s and Penny Sanford’s stock ownership, and the modified risk factor related to our stock price volatility set forth below, there have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors as disclosed in the 2024 Annual Report.
Risks Related to Our Industries
Our profitability is tied to the strength of the residential real estate market, which is subject to a number of general business and macroeconomic conditions beyond our control.
Our profitability is closely related to the strength of the residential real estate market, which is cyclical in nature and typically is affected by changes in national, state and local economic conditions, which are beyond our control. Macroeconomic conditions that could adversely impact the growth of the real estate market and have a material adverse effect on our business include, but are not limited to, economic slowdown or recession, increased unemployment, increased energy costs, reductions in the availability of credit or higher interest rates, increased costs of obtaining mortgages, an increase in foreclosure activity, inflation, disruptions in capital markets, significant volatility in U.S. and international equity markets, deterioration in global financial conditions, declines in the stock market, adverse tax policies or changes in other regulations, lower consumer confidence, lower wage and salary levels, war, terrorist attacks or other geopolitical and security issues, including Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Palestine and rising tensions between China and Taiwan as well as between China and the U.S., changes in trade policy or the imposition of new tariffs, and any retaliatory responses to such tariffs, that may indirectly affect the cost of homebuilding materials, consumer goods, or broader economic sentiment, natural disasters or adverse weather events, or the public perception that any of these events may occur. Unfavorable general economic conditions, such as a recession or economic slowdown, in the U.S., Canada, or other markets we enter and operate within, could negatively affect the affordability of and consumer demand for, our services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and profitability. In addition, international, federal and state governments, agencies and government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae could take actions that result in unforeseen consequences to the real estate market or that otherwise could negatively impact our business. Moreover, continued global financial uncertainty and monetary tightening policies may weigh on consumer spending and homebuying activity, both of which are key drivers of agent productivity and company performance.
Risks Related to Our Stock
Glenn Sanford, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, together with Penny Sanford, a significant stockholder, own a significant percentage of our stock. As a result, the trading price for our shares may be depressed and they can significantly influence actions that may be adverse to the interests of our other stockholders.
On March 4, 2025, each of Glenn Sanford and Penny Sanford filed a Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which disclosed that they beneficially owned approximately 27.19% and 17.35% of our outstanding common stock as of January 31, 2025, respectively. This significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price for our common stock because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning stock in a company with two stockholders holding a significant number of our shares. Each of Mr. Sanford and Ms. Sanford can significantly influence all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election and removal of directors and any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, due to his significant ownership stake and his service as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors, Mr. Sanford significantly influences the management of our business and affairs. This concentration of ownership and influence could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control, or impeding a merger or consolidation, takeover or other business combination that could be favorable to our other stockholders.
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The stock price of our common stock has been and likely will continue to be volatile and may decline in value regardless of our performance.
The market price for our common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons, many of which are outside our control, including those described above and the following:
● our operating and financial performance and prospects;
● future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including but not limited to shares we may issue as consideration for acquisitions or investments;
● housing and mortgage finance markets;
● our quarterly or annual earnings or those of other companies in our industry;
● the public’s reaction to our press releases, other public announcements and filings with the SEC;
● changes in or cessation of recommendations or analysis of our prospects by securities analysts who track our common stock;
● market and industry perception of our success, or lack thereof, in pursuing our growth strategy;
● strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;
● actual or potential changes in laws, regulations and regulatory interpretations;
● changes in interest rates;
● changes in demographics relating to housing such as household formation or other consumer preferences toward home ownership;
● changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
● arrival and departure of key personnel;
● the filing of and/or adverse resolution of new or pending litigation or regulatory proceedings against us; and
● changes in general market, economic and political conditions in the United States and global economies.
Recent instability in global capital markets and the volatility of U.S. and international stock exchanges—driven by inflationary pressures, geopolitical conflict, central bank policy shifts, and investor uncertainty—may contribute to elevated fluctuations in the price of our common stock.
In addition, the stock markets have experienced periods of high price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of the equity securities of many companies, including technology companies and real estate brokerages. Such price fluctuations can be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In the past, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, it could subject us to substantial costs, divert resources and the attention of management from our business and harm our business.
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